Meaning & History
Etymology
Chares is an Ancient Greek name derived from χάρις (charis), meaning “grace, kindness.” It belongs to a family of names rooted in the same concept, including the feminine Charis and the variant Chariton. In Greek mythology and culture, charis encompassed grace, favor, and beauty—qualities that were personified in the Charites (the Graces), goddesses of charm and creativity.
Historical Bearers
The name was borne by several notable figures from antiquity, recorded primarily through literary and historical sources. The most famous bearer is the 4th-century BC Athenian general Chares, who commanded Athenian forces during the Social War (357–355 BC) and later fought for the Persian satrap Artabazus. His military career exemplifies the volatile nature of Greek city-state politics amid the rise of Macedon.
Another prominent Chares was the sculptor from Lindos (on the island of Rhodes) who crafted the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Completed in 280 BC, the colossal bronze statue of the sun god Helios stood approximately 33 meters (108 ft) high at the entrance of Rhodes’ harbor. Chares of Lindos was a pupil of the renowned sculptor Lysippus, and the Colossus—though destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC—cemented his legacy as a master of Hellenistic bronze sculpture.
Chares also appears as a name in the New Testament? In the biblical Book of Acts, a certain Chares (or Charis?) is mentioned as a companion of Paul, though textual variants make the reading uncertain. A 4th-century Christian martyr named Chares was venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Cultural Significance
The name Chares reflects the ancient Greek value placed on charis—a concept central to social, religious, and artistic life. The act of bestowing such a name often expressed a hope or recognition of charm and favor from the gods. Over time, the name—like many classical Greek names—has been overshadowed in common use but remains a powerful link to Hellenic heritage.
Modern bearers are rare, and the name is primarily known through historical texts and encyclopedias of antiquity. However, its root, along with related forms such as Charis and Haris, continues to appear in contemporary Greek naming practices and international appreciation for classical culture.
Key Facts
- Meaning: grace, kindness (from Greek χάρις)
- Origin: Ancient Greek
- Type: masculine given name
- Notable bearers: Athenian general (4th c. BC); sculptor of the Colossus of Rhodes
- Regions: Ancient Greece; modern usage sporadic